A woman wanted me to finish and quilt her Great Great Grandmothers quilt top for her , at first I said I would but, after lots of thought I decided it would not be a good idea, I would feel terrible if I ruined it, so I backed out. I figure the fabric would be too old and delicate to with stand all that handling. Be very careful and if you wash it be careful how you handle it while wet and please don't hang it on a clothesline, it will pull the seams too much. Laying it out to dry is the safest way. A museum may be able to tell you what to do.